How to Help Elderly Parents Move: A Complete Guide
12 Apr 2024
Moving your elderly parents does not have to be complicated. With thoughtful planning and the right support, you can stay organised, reduce stress, and give everyone time to adjust to this life transition. Our comprehensive guide offers useful tips to help you get started and clear advice for moving forward.
Supporting Your Parents Emotionally During the Move
Moving home can be an emotional experience for elderly parents, particularly if they’re moving from a lifelong home or somewhere that’s filled with memories. While the practical aspects of relocating are important, taking the time to support their emotional wellbeing can help make the transition to their new home easier.
Where possible, involve your parents in decisions throughout the moving process, from choosing what to take with them to discussing their new living environment. Feeling included can help with their sense of independence and prevent them from feeling like they are losing all control.
It’s also important to help them understand that any feelings of anxiety or even sadness are completely normal. Avoid rushing decisions or dismissing their concerns; a slower, considered approach will result in a much more positive experience all around.
After the move, keep an eye out for any signs of relocation stress. Symptoms such as low mood, withdrawal and a reduced interest in food could indicate that the move has taken its toll and that your elderly parents may need additional support with the adjustment. Familiar belongings, established routines, and regular social contact can help.
Checklist for Moving Elderly Parents
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when planning a move for elderly parents. Whether you’ve already made a decision or are considering the topic for the future, having a clear checklist is one of the easiest ways to get organised, reduce stress, and keep the process manageable.
Choose a moving date.
Research moving companies for relocating.
Book a storage unit if needed.
Complete the change of address process, including notifying key servicessuch as the bank, pharmacy, insurance providers, etc.
Notify your parents’ doctor of the move and register them with a new practice if they are moving to a new location.
Schedule for utilities such as water and electricity to be switched off at the current residence.
Set up utilities at the new location.
Get prescriptions for the moving period.
Tips for Helping Elderly Parents Move
Once your parents have decided to move, the process might seem stressful. With these practical tips, you can take the stress out of moving and ensure a smooth transition for you and your loved ones.
1. Declutter Before Moving
When it comes to downsizing, it’s best to start small. Elderly movers often have a lifetime of memorable possessions that can be difficult to part with, especially antiques. Begin with a room that is easy to tackle, like a guest room or bathroom.
Take time to get accustomed to the moving and downsizing process. Then you can start sorting items into ‘keeping’ and ‘giving away’ piles to help you declutter. Family heirlooms can be passed down through the generations, whereas some items could be sold at an estate auction and help with the moving costs.
2. Opt for Senior Relocation Services
Sometimes, it may be difficult to be physically present during the moving process. In these situations, a removals company that specialises in retirement and senior moving solutions can provide valuable support. With experience in carefully organising, packing, and relocating seniors’ possessions, companies like Bishop’s Move understand the practical and emotional complexities involved. This specialist approach can help reduce stress and ensure your parents feel supported at every step of the move.
3. Organise Moving Transportation Around Their Needs
Long trips can be physically demanding for older adults, especially for those needing medical care. Consider driving them yourself to their new home or enlist the services of a moving company. There are also transportation companies that provide specialist non-emergency medical transport for elderly individuals and those with additional needs, such as wheelchairs and oxygen tanks.
4. Prioritise Healthcare Before Moving
Healthcare should be a top priority when it comes to moving elderly parents. First of all, you should notify their current doctors and get registrations and appointments set up near their new home. Likewise, prescriptions should be transferred to a new pharmacy, making sure that the new location is covered in their health insurance plan (if they have one).
5. Create a Homely Feel in the New Location
When it comes to decorating a new place, understand the layout and find opportunities to add things you know your elderly parents love. Personal touches go a long way in making a new place feel like home. Treat it as an opportunity to add more positive updates to their living space, such as a brightly coloured accent wall or even a new home studio.
Facilitating the move for elderly parents properly can guarantee a safer residential setting and reduce distress after moving home for more vulnerable individuals. You don’t have to do it alone because Bishop’s Move is here to assist you every step of the way, from initial packing to moving into a rented property.
Legal and Financial Considerations
When it comes to moving elderly parents, there can also be legal and financial aspects to consider before and after the move. If your parents are selling their home, you may need to assist with completing the relevant paperwork, contracts, and ensuring financial arrangements are in order.
Once they are in their new home, you will need to ensure they have updated their legal documents, such as Wills and Powers of Attorney. It is also important to review any relevant insurances, such as buildings and contents policies.
FAQs: Relocating Elderly Parents
How far in advance should I plan my parents’ move?
It’s best to start planning at least 2-3 months in advance. The longer you allow yourself for planning, the more prepared you will be when it comes to the move, giving you time to organise logistics, declutter, book a home removal company and manage emotional adjustments.
Do I need a specialist moving company for seniors?
While a specialist moving company isn’t necessarily required, it can make the move far smoother for everyone involved. Experienced senior movers understand both the physical demands of relocating and the emotional adjustments required, and can help with all aspects of the move from packing to transport and settling in.
How can I reduce stress during the move?
Include your parents in as many decisions as possible, try to stick to their typical routines, and keep personal belongings accessible. Avoid rushing and check in with them regularly to monitor their emotional wellbeing.
What items should I pack for my parents in their essentials bag?
An essentials bag should contain essentials for personal comfort such as medication, glasses, toiletries, chargers, snacks and drinks. You may also want to provide things such as toilet paper, cleaning wipes, plasters, and anything else your parents may need immediate access to.
Can I safely move my elderly parents long-distance?
Yes, moving elderly parents long distances can be safe provided the process is planned adequately. When it comes to moving day, ensure they have their essentials bag to hand, and plan breaks to minimise travel fatigue.
Facilitating the move for elderly parents properly can guarantee a safer residential setting and reduce distress after moving home for more vulnerable individuals. You don’t have to do it alone because Bishop’s Move is here to assist you every step of the way, from initial packing to moving into a rented property.
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